Sam F. McBride

November 8, 1935 – February 15, 2019

Sam McBride, a dearly loved father, husband, and grandfather, peacefully passed on from this Earth on Friday, February 15, 2019. Dedicated to those he loved in his life, Sam was surrounded by family in Cypress, TX, during his final days. Sam is remembered as a humble and resilient man, someone who was unfailingly open-minded and non-judgmental. He is survived by his wife, Wilma; daughters, Terri and Janet; and four granddaughters.

Sam grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he installed a Whizzer motor on his bicycle to speed up his newspaper route. The money he earned bought his first drum set. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School and, on a ROTC scholarship, earned a Bachelor of Science in 1957 from Arkansas Polytechnic University.

Throughout his life, Sam was a lively drummer. He played in Pine Bluff Zebra marching band, the Tech band and in the Esquires, the university's dance band. It was on a band trip when Sam met Wilma. On their first date, Sam and Wilma walked to a movie and throughout their courtship participated in band concerts, parades and dances. After Sam's graduation, they married in Russellville, Arkansas.

During his time in the U.S. Army, he was stationed at White Sands Missile Range. After his service, Sam joined IBM and he and Wilma moved to Dallas, Texas. At IBM, Sam worked as a systems engineer and was instrumental in automating the city utility's billing system from a manual system.

The McBride family moved to southern California in 1972, where Sam continued to work in the computer industry and pioneered the use of micro-computers, which brought automation to small businesses. Levelling up from the Whizzer motor, Sam greatly enjoyed little European cars, including a "three-on-the-tree" Renault. Looking for new adventure, Sam and Wilma moved to Albuquerque in 1980, where he worked as commercial and residential realtor broker for many years.

His family will celebrate his life with a private service.